October 18, 2007

And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.Matthew 27:35 (KJV)

I read this and something within me stirred. When I think of the garments being parted I think of how each of us have been given robes because of Christ who gave to each of us. We are clothed in fine linen white and clean (Rev. 19:14). Christ put on the robe that was dipped in blood so that we might be made clean in Him.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.John 1:1 (KJV)

And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.Revelation 19:13 (KJV)

September 28, 2007

Probably my favorite Worship album is Hillsong’s Blessed. This particular song, “You Have Made Me Glad” has gotten me through some very tough spots in my marriage. But thank God — he has delivered me from all fear (although sometimes satan likes to think he has taken it but he hasn’t — PRAISE GOD!).

This is what the inside cover says for the album Blessed:

“This recording has been birthed out of a revelation in Psalm 84 which declares that those who set their hearts on pilgrimage, who love God’s House, will be blessed. God’s heart is to BLESS you. He wants to open the windows of heaven over your life and cause everthing you do to flourish. As you worship with these songs, allow the words of Psalm 84 to become your prayer – that you might be blessed to be a blessing.”

Psalm 84

For the choir director: A psalm of the descendants of Korah, to be accompanied by a stringed instrument.

1 How lovely is your dwelling place,
O Lord of Heaven’s Armies.2 I long, yes, I faint with longing
to enter the courts of the Lord.
With my whole being, body and soul,
I will shout joyfully to the living God.3 Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young
at a place near your altar,
O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, my King and my God!4 What joy for those who can live in your house,
always singing your praises.Interlude

5 What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord,
who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.6 When they walk through the Valley of Weeping,
it will become a place of refreshing springs.
The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings.7 They will continue to grow stronger,
and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem.

9 O God, look with favor upon the king, our shield!
Show favor to the one you have anointed.

10 A single day in your courts
is better than a thousand anywhere else!
I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God
than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.11 For the Lord God is our sun and our shield.
He gives us grace and glory.
The Lord will withhold no good thing
from those who do what is right.12 O Lord of Heaven’s Armies,
what joy for those who trust in you.

I personally have seen Darlene Zschech in action when she ministered in our church. She is so humble and very gracious.

Next week — I’m on vacation at … DISNEYWORLD. May you enjoy this song all week until I am back, Lord willing.

Lyrics to You Have Made Me Glad:

I will bless the Lord forever
I will trust Him at all times
He has delivered me from all fear
He has set my feet upon a rock
I will not be moved
And I’ll say of the Lord

You are my shield, my strength
My portion, deliverer
My shelter, strong tower
My very present help in time of need

Whom have I in heaven but You
There’s none I desire beside You
You have made me glad
And I’ll say of the Lord

You are my shield, my strength
My portion, deliverer
My shelter, strong tower
My very present help in time of need